Review: Saffran, Vietnam’s first and only Iranian Restaurant

If you’re not lucky enough to have visited Iran, now you have the opportunity to peer through a fragrant window into this often unknown culture - one where centuries-old recipes, rich in pride and subtly fragrant with spices, are lovingly passed down through generations.

Enter Saffran Saigon—Vietnam’s very first Iranian restaurant. It’s basically a love letter to Persian food, inviting both the Persian/Middle Eastern community and curious foodies to pull up a chair and experience the real deal. The founder himself is Persian, and he calls opening Saffran “a personal bet to bring a flavour of Iran to a part of the world where little is known about Persian culture.” Bold move, and it paid off.

And honestly, it’s as wholesome as it gets. With the encouragement (read: loving push) of his partner—whose garment export office sits conveniently next door—that bet turned into a 12-seat rooftop counter with a setup so charmingly unpretentious: rice cookers and microwaves that could easily belong in your auntie’s kitchen, pots and pans stacked within arm’s reach, and the unmistakable perfume of saffron and dried limes flown in directly from Iran. Every dish comes straight from his home kitchen, secret recipes included.

And just when you think it couldn’t get more charming—Saffran happens to be tucked away on the 2nd floor inside a flower shop, on a cozy little terrace overlooking the chaos of Quoc Huong Street in Thao Dien. Up here, it feels like you’ve stumbled into someone’s home kitchen rather than a restaurant. You’re seated right in the thick of it—pots simmering, spices in the air—chatting with the chef on one side and fellow diners on the other. It’s intimate, unpretentious, and honestly, kind of magical.

And, as someone who has been to Iran, this is hospitality the Iranian way: warm, generous, and straight from the heart. If you’ve ever shared a meal in Iran, the feeling will be instantly familiar. If not, consider this your crash course in what it means to be welcomed like family—complete with that fuzzy, can’t-stop-smiling vibe that lingers long after the last bite.

The Food

The menu keeps things cozy with just 6 to 7 staples, plus a rotating lineup of weekly specials announced on social media. One of those was the Zireh Polo—a fragrant “carrot rice” laced with cumin and cinnamon, crowned with perfectly seasoned meatballs—that we were lucky enough to catch when we visited. And trust me, the specials don’t stick around for long (for good reason). Hearty, earthy, and full of flavor, the homemade meatballs melt right into the rice, making every bite a beautifully savoury mish-mash.

Khoresht Bademjun – Silky braised eggplant with just a hint of paprika, paired with lamb so tender it practically melts the moment your fork touches it. Served with saffron rice and lifted by the citrusy punch of authentic Iranian dried limes, this one’s the star of the menu—and honestly, it’s no surprise it’s their bestseller. If you can only order one dish, let this be it.

Kashke Bademjan – Roasted eggplant whipped into silky perfection, mixed with creamy yogurt, and crowned with pomegranate jewels. It’s fresh, tangy, rich—and the kind of starter that makes you want to lick the bowl clean. I’m not kidding, I’ve already started plotting how to recreate this at home as I write! 

There’s plenty more to dig into, like the Kebab Tabeh’i—a hearty mix of minced beef and lamb in a rich tomato sauce with saffron rice on the side—or the Zereshk Polo, where tender braised chicken meets tangy tomatoes and a crown of jewel-like barberries that pop with sweet-tart brilliance. Portions are generous, so this is the kind of spot you’ll want to share with a friend or two—or better yet, round up 8 to 10 and book out the whole place. Because let’s be real: food this good is way more fun with a crowd.

In a Nutshell

Saffran Saigon might be small, but it packs a lot of heart. It’s not just about the best Bademjun you’ve ever tasted and saffron rice made using saffron hand-carried from Iran -  it’s about sitting in a space that feels like someone’s home, and tasting dishes that Persians themselves travel across the city for.

Foodies will find plenty to love here, and regulars (like myself) will tell you it’s the kind of spot you end up recommending to friends without even thinking twice. 

• Opening Times: Wednesday–Sunday, 12 PM to 8 PM

• Address: 2nd Floor, 49E Quoc Huong, Thao Dien

• Average Spend: ₫300,000–400,000 per person

• Reservations are recommended: https://www.instagram.com/saffran.saigon/